Bob Marley

About

Bob Marley is an iconic reggae musician and singer/songwriter credited for spreading Jamaican music to the world. His music was highly influenced by Rastafarianism as well as the political disparities and social issues in Jamaica. In 1963, he formed a rocksteady and ska group called The Teenagers, which would eventually be known as The Wailers. During this time, Marley developed an interest in Rastafari beliefs and began growing his characteristic dreadlocks shortly after formally converting to the religion. The Wailers released Catch on Fire in 1973 before the group disbanded so the members could pursue solo careers. Marley continued to record and perform under the name Bob Marley & The Wailers with a new backing band. His first taste of international success came with his single "No Woman, No Cry," released in 1975 on his Natty Dread album. Marley's opposition to the South African apartheid influenced his most politically-driven album Survival, released in 1979, while his most religiously-influenced work was reserved for his final studio album Uprising, released in 1980. Shortly after a world tour that included some of the biggest concerts he had ever played, Marley lost his battle with cancer and died on his way back home to Jamaica. Marley's vocal style and lyrics have drawn comparisons to legends Smokey Robinson and Bob Dylan, but his own music, personal style and charisma have made him a global icon who is considered the third world's first pop star.